Press Releases

Wichita State University Selects Blackboard to Drive Student Services and Retention Effort

Partnership is Company's Latest Student-Focused Services Engagement

Mar 20, 2014

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wichita State University has selected Blackboard as its partner in a major effort to increase student retention and enrollment by taking a technology-focused, student-centric approach to services, the company announced today. The agreement is the latest example of Blackboard working to streamline and improve admissions and enrollment processes to help colleges, universities and systems attract more students and keep them on track for success.

At Wichita State, Blackboard will provide a blend of technology and services to help students successfully navigate the onboarding process and manage their academic experience. Called the "WSU One-Stop for Student Services," it will coordinate a single, virtual system to streamline the disparate processes for student applications, including enrollment, registration, academic advising, financial aid and student accounts. The system will also provide technology support to students.

Instead of having to go back and forth between separate departments and offices, WSU's 14,000 students will be able to get all the information they need in one place, with live, around-the-clock phone support and a range of services available online and through mobile apps. Blackboard support personnel will also support outreach campaigns to help Wichita State identify prospective students and expedite their admissions and enrollment.

"This is about giving students the help they need, when they need it," said Anthony Vizzini, vice president for academic affairs and head of the division that will be responsible for the One-Stop system. "It is a proactive approach to helping students be successful and keeping them on the path to completion."

"Students have lots of options today and they increasingly look for top-notch service," said Katie Blot, senior vice president of Blackboard's Education Services Division. "We are excited to partner with Wichita State to create a student-centric approach to delivering services and support that will enhance the student experience and help make onboarding and managing the academic experience a more effective proposition."

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About Blackboard

Blackboard Inc. is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various important factors. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.